~ The Commercial Anglo Dutch Society

CADS – Sir John Memorial Lunch

Some of the most unlikely scenes in English cricket history were attributed to supernatural powers in the last 2 months as the spirit of John Richardson inspired Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and other English players to extraordinary feats. Not content with inspiring the England team, John Richardson lent his goodwill and humour to the celebration of his life held by the CADS at the VRA. Our correspondent Louise Hunter writes: The Sir John Richardson memorial lunch on Friday Aug 16th at the VRA was blessed with warm sunshine and dry weather. The CADS were joined by Masako Richardson, John’s widow, for the unveiling of a plaque in John’s memory. Guests included Floris Kapelle, close friend of John and VRA president, who gave a touching speech about John’s long association with the club, recalling many light-hearted anecdotes of John’s prowess on and off the field. The lunch was a fitting tribute to our dear friend John, who will be sadly missed. After lunch, Masako scattered some of John’s ashes, there was a feeling of thankfulness for a good and full life, a little sadness but also happy smiles as we toasted John by his new bench 🙂 The VRA will remember and commemorate John with ‘The Richo’ – a silver cricket ball – to be presented to the best bowler each year in John’s memory. Masako asks that we pass on her gratitude to all those who shared this important day with her. She took great solace and support from being surrounded by friends and the loving thoughts of those who could not be present. Many thanks to Layla Hehanussa, the new club manager, who looked after us with a splendid lunch and to the ground staff and Mark Cunningham who assisted Masako with the arrangements on the day.